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Tough opener doesn't dampen Jones' optimism

4/1/14: Garrett Jones' single in the second is his first in a Marlins uniform

By Joe Frisaro
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MLB.com |

MIAMI -- Bottom-line results don't always tell the full story.

Garrett Jones, for instance, went hitless in four at-bats with three strikeouts and a walk in the Marlins' 10-1 win over the Rockies on Opening Day at Marlins Park.

The left-handed-hitting first baseman, who was used mostly in platoon situations in previous seasons with the Pirates, is getting a chance to face southpaw starters. He got his first taste on Monday against Jorge De La Rosa.

Jones struck out twice and walked against the Rockies' starter, and he was hitless in two at-bats against right-handed pitchers to finish up the game.

"I felt good [Monday], despite the results," Jones said. "I saw the ball well, but it's a rough game in the books. But as the year goes on, I will feel more comfortable and I'll make my adjustments. It's going to keep getting better."

Marlins manager Mike Redmond plans on batting Jones cleanup against right-handers, but the slugger has slid to fifth against lefties. Casey McGehee batted fourth in the first two games.

Jones has a track record of being a 20-plus home run hitter, and the Marlins feel he can best reach those numbers by getting as many at-bats as possible. Staying in the lineup as much as possible should obviously benefit.

"When you see a tough lefty and you see a righty, it helps you see the ball better," Jones said. "Obviously, the season is going, so you have to produce. But the more at-bats I get, the better I'm going to get. It's just seeing the ball, seeing release points, it's only going to get better as the season goes on."